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Conditions at Isla Grande in May
May: The Trade Wind Grip Loosens
May delivers a major shift in the wind climate. While NE swell still dominates at 89.7%, the average swell height eases to 1.1m (3.5ft) and periods lag at 7.4s. Critically, the percentage of ideal offshore wind skyrockets to 25%. The wind direction distribution becomes far more diffuse, with NE wind dropping to 23.5% and light/variable conditions from the south and west becoming common. This means more frequent windows of clean, glassy surf. The waves are smaller - often in the 1-1.5m (3-5ft) range - but they hold shape and offer rippable, walled-up sections. Water temperature climbs to 28.6°C and the rainy season starts in earnest with 7.5 mm/day precipitation. For sheer number of clean surf sessions, May is a massive upgrade over the winter months.
Average Spot conditions at Isla Grande in May
Swell history for May
Wind history for May
Swell quality
Analyze the groundswell consistency at Isla Grande during May. Based on historical data, there is a % probability of groundswell occurring this month. The chart below provides a detailed breakdown of the average wave height distribution, offering deep insights into the swell quality and surf potential you can expect at Isla Grande for your next trip in May.
Ground swell
Ground swell by size
Wind conditions
Evaluate the wind and swell alignment at Isla Grande for May. Our analysis shows that favorable offshore or side-shore winds coincide with surfable swell approximately % of the time. The accompanying graph illustrates the average size distribution of waves during these optimal wind windows at Isla Grande.